July 2006
Visit the Newsletter Archive

H5N1 Virus (Avian Influenza or Bird Flu)
Influenza viruses can be divided into three types, A, B, and C. Type A viruses have the most significant implications for human and animal health. The identification of the influenza-A viruses is based on certain proteins found on the surface of the virus particles – hemagglutinin and neuraminidase. Hemagglutinin (H) has sixteen known subtypes and neuraminidase (N) has nine. Each influenza virus is identified by the subtype of each of these proteins, thus the name, H5N1.

This virus has been identified in wild birds for many years. Most infected wild birds are only carriers of the virus. It is shed in saliva, nasal secretions, and feces. Domestic/commercial birds come into contact with the virus either through direct contact with an infected bird or through contact with contaminated surfaces. Worldwide, millions of domestic/commercial bird deaths have been attributed to H5N1 to date either directly or through culling of flocks done to keep infections from spreading. These outbreaks have had a tremendous economic impact.

Why are we, a small animal clinic in the United States, talking about H5N1? Well, because in other parts of the world there have been avian flu infections and deaths in animals other than birds, and although no one really knows for sure, it is expected that the H5N1 virus will make its way to the United States sometime. How soon is open to conjecture. A domestic cat living in Germany died this year. It is suspected that this cat ate an infected wild bird. A stray dog in Baku, Azerbaijan died in March of a suspected infection with the H5N1 virus. Other mammals that have had confirmed cases H5N1 virus include pigs, rats, tigers, leopards, rabbits, ferrets, stone martens, minks, macaques (a type of monkey), and palm civets.

The bottom line of all this is when H5N1 does make its way to the United States, we must all be diligent in knowing the risks to our pets and reducing their exposure to this potentially deadly disease. The primary recommendations from many major organizations including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Animal Hospital Association, and the American Association of Feline Practitioners are to keep pets indoors as much as possible and don’t feed them raw poultry or eggs (H5N1 is killed at 70° C, which is about 160° F).

Xylitol Toxicity
Xylitol is an all-natural sugar alcohol used as a sweetener in chewing gums, candy, breath fresheners, smoking cessation aids, toothpastes, some baked goods, and various vitamin and supplement products. It came into use in the 1970’s and since that time has gained popularity as a sugar substitute. It has several properties that are responsible for its increased use in consumer products. It has an anticavity effect and it shares a sweetness level similar to sucrose yet has fewer calories. Xylitol causes only minute changes in blood glucose and insulin levels in humans making it an ideal sugar substitute for diabetics.

However, according to the Animal Poison Control Center, Xylitol has the potential for significant toxicosis when ingested by dogs. There is documented evidence that in dogs Xylitol causes an increase in blood insulin levels, which results in greatly reduced blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). Symptoms may include depression, vomiting, weakness, staggering, collapse, tremors, and seizures. As few as one to two pieces of Xylitol sweetened gum can cause hypoglycemia in a 20-pound dog. Early treatment is essential. If discovered early enough inducing vomiting may prevent any serious effects. However, serious signs may develop as early as 30 minutes post ingestion. Supportive care is essential to survival. The patient must have blood work done, fluid therapy started, and the vomiting controlled. Adjustments will be made to the therapy based on continued monitoring of blood values.

Obviously, products that are safe for human consumption may not always be safe for your pets. Here is a reminder of some other common food products that can be harmful, even fatal to your pet:

• Avocadoes
• Chocolate – all forms
• Coffee
• Macadamia nuts
• Onions and onion powder
• Raisins and grapes
• Salt
• Yeast dough
• Garlic
• Alcoholic beverages

And for those of you that own a dog that likes to eat mulch, do not use cocoa bean mulch. This is a by-product of the production of chocolate and can cause the same toxic effects as chocolate itself.

Iron Dog Competition
An organization known as the Search Dog Foundation, based in Ojai, California, works to connect dogs to “first-responders” and to provide the training necessary for these teams to achieve and maintain certification from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Once a year they hold their annual IRONDOG event, a weeklong intensive training exercise. During the event the handlers and their dogs work in situations that simulate actual disasters. The dogs learn how to navigate on precarious footing, climb ladders, crawl through long, low tunnels, even how to negotiate helicopters and harnesses and being lifted or lowered with their handlers into or out of a rescue situation. The teams practice all-important communications and obedience while dealing with many distractions. There can be a lot of activity at disaster sites and the dog needs to be attentive only to their handler and the job at hand.

One of their many success stories is the story of Dusty, a Golden Retriever. She came to the Search Dog Foundation through a rescue organization. Her first owner didn’t commit to raising her into a mature and responsible dog and she developed into a wild child. She was very needy and willing to accept negative attention if that was the only way she could get attention. Seemingly uncontrollable, she ended up in a shelter and finally the rescue organization. Each time she was adopted, she tore up the house. Luckily someone understood that her constant play and prey/chase drive made her an ideal candidate for search and rescue. After six weeks of intensive training she finally caught on and was teamed with Randy Gross, a firefighter in Sacramento, California. Theirs was one of the first search and rescue teams deployed to “ground zero” in September, 2001. Dusty and Randy, representing all search and rescue canines, were given the honor of ringing the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange. They have met President Bush on two separate occasions and Dusty has been on numerous magazine covers.

Just a Dog
From time to time people tell me, “Lighten up, it’s just a dog,” or “That’s a lot of money for just a dog.” They don’t understand the distance traveled, time spent, or costs involved in “just a dog.” Some of my proudest moments have come about with “just a dog.” Many hours have passed with my only company being “just a dog” and not once have I felt slighted. Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by “just a dog.” In those days of darkness, the gentle touch of “just a dog” provided comfort and purpose to overcome the day.

If you too, think it’s “just a dog,” you will probably understand phrases like “Just a friend,” “Just a sunrise,” or “Just a promise.” “Just a dog” brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy. “Just a dog” brings out the compassion and patience that makes me a better person. Because of “just a dog” I will rise early, take long walks, and look longingly to the future.

For me and folk’s like me, it’s not “just a dog.” It’s an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment. “Just a dog” brings out what’s good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.

I hope that someday people can understand it’s not “just a dog.” It’s the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being “just a man or woman.”

So the next time you hear the phrase, “Just a dog,” smile, because they “just don’t understand.”

- Author Unknown

Visit the Newsletter Archive